There are a lot of new books coming out every week. With New Release Radar, I’ll help you narrow down the week’s new book releases into the titles you should get excited about. This week, I have seven great books to share with you, including a return to the world of Wicked and the conclusions to two fantastical duologies. Read on!
We Are Villains by Kacen Callender
Ari’s death was ruled an accident, but her best friend Milo knows that wasn’t the case. Desperate for answers, Milo returns to Yates Academy to discover the truth, despite the dangers. Meanwhile, school kingpin Liam, accused of her murder through anonymous letters, enlists Milo’s help to find the blackmailer. But as Milo digs deeper, he realizes Liam may be hiding more than he lets on.
Featuring a cast of queer characters of color, Kacen Callender’s new book release is a thrilling mystery that will keep readers guessing until the very end. We Are Villains deftly combines dark academia elements with murder, blackmail and more.
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Tideborn by Eliza Chan
In the wake of a tsunami, the once-divided people of Tiankawi – humans and fathomfolk – can now all breathe underwater. However, deep-seated tensions still remain after years of oppression. While fighting to unite her fractured city, siren activist Mira uncovers a deadly conspiracy that threatens everyone. Meanwhile, dragon princess Nami embarks on a perilous sea voyage to stop a vengeful Titan from destroying them all.
Eliza Chan hits the ground running in her dramatic sequel to Fathomfolk. Tideborn builds on its predecessor for a stunning conclusion to the duology.
Saltwater by Katy Hays
Thirty years after Sarah Lingate’s mysterious death on the cliffs of Capri, her wealthy family returns to their villa as they do every year to uphold the ruling that it was an accident. But this time, they’re met with an unsettling surprise; the necklace Sarah wore the night she died has reappeared. As long-buried secrets resurface, the Lingates must finally confront the truth about what really happened that night.
Atmospheric, lush and eerie, Saltwater is the perfect read to start off the warmer months. Katy Hays’ new thriller is perfect for fans of White Lotus and other narratives of rich people behaving badly.
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Cover Story by Celia Laskey
In 2005, Hollywood publicist Ali is tasked with keeping rising star Cara Bisset’s sexuality a secret – even though she’s a closeted lesbian too. As they embark on a global press tour, Cara’s defiance and confidence challenge Ali’s beliefs, forcing her to confront her own grief and complicity in the industry’s closeting system. As Cara’s fame grows, both women must decide whether to protect their careers or take a chance on love.
Cover Story is a hilarious, emotional love story perfect for anyone who loves the hidden side of Hollywood. With mid-2000s vibes and road trip elements, Celia Laskey’s new book release dives into deeper topics like grief and anxiety while still remaining incredibly fun.
Elphie by Gregory Maguire
We all know that Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, grows up as an outsider, shaped by fraught family dynamics and a world that others her. As she navigates childhood jealousies, encounters the mistreatment of Oz’s Animals and struggles to form friendships, she begins to understand her own resilience and ambition. Her journey to Shiz University marks the beginning of a transformative path, one that will define her as both feared and extraordinary.
Almost 30 years after the original novel, Wicked, Gregory Maguire is back to fill in Elphaba’s story. Elphie covers the years readers never got to see, setting the stage for the iconic, blockbuster musical phenomenon.
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The Shadow Bride by Shelby Mahurin
After sacrificing herself to save those she loves, Célie awakens as a vampire, cursed by the enigmatic king, Michal. But she is not the only one who has returned. Her sister and other vengeful revenants are rising, threatening to unravel the balance between life and death. As an even darker force sets its sights on claiming Célie as his bride, she and Michal must fight their dangerous attraction and restore the world before it’s too late.
The Shadow Bride is the conclusion to Shelby Mahurin’s Scarlet Veil duology, set in the world of her bestselling Serpent & Dove series. It’s a slowburn, angsty epic romance and a satisfying finale.
When the Moon Hits Your Eye by John Scalzi
When the moon is suddenly replaced by an orb of cheese with the same mass, the world is thrown into chaos. Over the course of a full lunar cycle, scientists, schoolkids, billionaires, and politicians grapple with the bizarre new reality, and the looming possibility of a final, catastrophic eclipse. As humanity struggles to make sense of the impossible, the absurd moon above forces them to confront their own beliefs, fears and futures.
When the Moon Hits Your Eye is a series of interconnected short stories that all answer the question: what would you do if the moon turned to cheese? The premise of John Scalzi’s new book release is completely ridiculous, but that’s what makes it so much fun.
You can check out these new book releases at Bookshop.org or your local bookstore. What March 25 new release are you most excited to read? Let us know below, and tune in next week to grow your TBR.
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